I'm learning
norsk
liten — meaning in English: small
Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
small
liten
smak
bilde
muligheter
interessant
Skip this question
🎓
Learn Norwegian for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
neutral
very common
Usage
Native speakers use 'liten' when describing objects, people, or places that are small in size. For example, you might hear it in everyday conversations when talking about a 'liten hund' (small dog) or when referring to a 'liten leilighet' (small apartment). It's common in both casual chats and more descriptive contexts, such as storytelling.
Synonyms & nuances
'Liten' is often compared to 'små,' which also means small but is used in plural contexts. While 'liten' describes a single item or concept, 'små' is utilized when referring to multiple small items, such as 'små barn' (small children). Choosing 'liten' over 'små' depends on whether you're talking about one thing or more than one.
Culture
'Liten' is derived from the Old Norse word 'lítill,' which also means small. Interestingly, its use is prevalent across various Scandinavian languages, highlighting the shared linguistic heritage among them. The word's simplicity belies its importance in everyday Norwegian, making it a fundamental building block for learners.
FAQ
